Julie Kenney: Profile & Expertise
- Julie Kenney took the helm of the Agribusiness Association of iowa (AAI) on Sept.
- Growing up on a family farm in Lohrville, Iowa, Kenney witnessed the industry's challenges firsthand.
- The AAI, formed in 1994 through a merger, advocates for legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural businesses. Kenney recently discussed her goals and the challenges facing Iowa's agriculture...
Seize insights into Julie Kenney‘s strategic vision to boost Iowa’s agribusiness economy. As the new CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI), Kenney is poised to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector through focused advocacy and fostering critical collaborations. This article analyzes Kenney’s extensive background, emphasizing her commitment to uniting rural and urban business interests.Moreover, discover how the AAI, under her leadership, will navigate challenges like livestock diseases, championing the interests of Iowa farmers on a national stage, all within an surroundings that prioritizes collaboration. Learn about the vital role of the AAI in representing the agricultural value chain. For more on regional economic initiatives, check out the latest updates from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
Julie Kenney Aims to Boost Iowa Agribusiness Economy
Updated June 22,2025
Julie Kenney took the helm of the Agribusiness Association of iowa (AAI) on Sept. 1, bringing over 20 years of agricultural experience to the role. Kenney, formerly the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s deputy secretary, succeeds the late Bill northey, who died in February 2024. Northey had previously served as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture from 2006 to 2017.
Growing up on a family farm in Lohrville, Iowa, Kenney witnessed the industry’s challenges firsthand. Now residing in Story County, where she and her family raise corn and soybeans, Kenney said she is committed to giving back to the agricultural community through her new position.
The AAI, formed in 1994 through a merger, advocates for legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural businesses. Kenney recently discussed her goals and the challenges facing Iowa’s agriculture industry.
Kenney emphasized the AAI’s broad representation of the state’s agricultural value chain. ”One of the things I love about AAI is it represents the entire ag value chain here in the state of Iowa,” Kenney said. “When you think of input providers, seed crop protection products, fertilizer products, all of those manufacturers would be our members… It’s a good viewpoint and picture of ag in Iowa.”
The association provides training opportunities and fosters networking among members. Kenney likened Iowa’s agriculture industry to a small town,emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Kenney highlighted the importance of strong relationships with commodity groups, including corn, soybean, and Farm Bureau organizations, as well as livestock groups.She also noted the AAI’s collaboration with state agencies like the iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation.
A key focus for Kenney is ensuring Iowa’s agricultural interests are represented at the national level, especially in discussions related to the Farm Bill and funding for USDA and EPA programs. She stressed the need to consider the diverse agricultural practices across different regions of Iowa and the United states.
Addressing the ongoing threat of livestock diseases is another priority for the AAI. While Kenney doesn’t see the threat as “heightened” compared to previous years, she acknowledged the continuous battle against highly pathogenic avian influenza since 2015.she emphasized the importance of biosecurity best practices and adequate funding for state and federal agencies supporting farmers facing these challenges.
“It’s something that we always have to raise the bar on every single day,” Kenney said. “Our members will be better prepared tomorrow than they were today, and they have to be. We’re never done.”
Looking ahead, Kenney aims to connect with members across Iowa to understand their challenges and perspectives. She also wants to bridge the gap between rural and urban business communities, encouraging them to learn from each othre and work together for the betterment of the state’s economy.
“I think we’re always better when rural and urban are working together,” Kenney said. “And I think there are countless examples of where that has gone really well.When we stop talking and stop sharing experiences and stop working for the betterment of the state, things can break down.”
What’s next
Kenney plans to prioritize meeting with AAI members statewide to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges, ensuring the association effectively advocates for their diverse interests in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.